Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in the country, located in the south of Vietnam. Until 1975, the city was called Saigon because of the river of the same name that runs through the city center. Many styles and traditions are mixed in the architecture of Ho Chi Minh City - old, narrow streets and modern squares, skyscrapers and traditional-style houses, huge amusement parks and small squares with live music coexist here.
Both in the city itself and in its surroundings, you will find many worthy places that deserve your attention.
War Crimes Museum
The War Crimes Museum is the most shocking and very popular museum in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also known as the "Museum of War Victims" or "Museum of US Crimes and Their Puppets." Inside the museum, there is an exposition with photographs and documents testifying to the atrocities and crimes of the Americans in relation to both the soldiers of the Vietnamese army and the civilian population. Instruments of torture are exhibited in a separate building, and some examples of American military equipment and weapons can be seen around the museum. It is unlikely that you will get a lot of positive emotions after visiting, but once you get to the museum, you will be able to better understand the tragedy that Vietnam experienced.
Notre Dame de Saigon
Notre Dame de Saigon is a working Catholic cathedral built by the French in the 19th century. The architecture of the cathedral reflects the classic colonial style. Notre Dame de Saigon is a miniature copy of the French Notre Dame de Paris. The height of the temple is over 60 meters. You can visit the cathedral freely at any time and completely free of charge, the main thing is to follow the rules for visiting such places.
Zoo and Botanical Garden
The territory of the zoo is green and huge. Most of the inhabitants are outdoors. Ho Chi Minh Zoo is recognized as one of the best urban zoos in Southeast Asia, here you will meet elephants, hippos, crocodiles, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, reptiles, birds and many other exotic animals. Part of the zoo is occupied by the Botanical Garden - more than 20 hectares, on which trees, bushes, flowers and an endless variety of cacti grow. Some of the presented species are over 100 years old.
Puppet theater on the water
While vacationing in Vietnam, be sure to visit the Water Puppet Theater. This art form originated in the X century and is a national pride. A colorful and exotic theater like nothing else. Special dolls are handcrafted for each show. In one performance, you can see up to 18 short scenes based on Vietnamese folk tales. The performance takes place in the evening, lasts about an hour and is an amazing and memorable sight.
Ben Thanh Market
Even if you are not going to buy anything, just visit this place. This is one of the largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, not the cheapest, as it is always filled with tourists, but you cannot call it expensive either. At Ben Thanh Market, you will find absolutely everything that you were going to buy or taste in this country. The market opens in the afternoon and is open until night for those who cannot sleep.
Tunnels Ku Chi
The Cu Chi tunnels are located 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City and represent a complex and intricate system of underground passages stretching for more than 250 km. The tunnels were actively used by Vietnamese guerrillas during the war to covertly strike at the American army. Initially, the tunnels were quite narrow (the width of the passages was from 0.5 to 1 meter), which allowed only nimble Vietnamese to move in them. Now that part of the tunnels that is open to the public has been cleared and expanded. The Ben Din tunnel, open for tourists, is 0.8 meters wide and 1.2 meters high. Here you will walk through a multi-level system of moves, see secret traps, warehouses, living quarters, a hospital and even a weapons factory. The depth of the Ku Chi tunnels could reach 4 meters, which made it possible to withstand a 50-ton tank.
Mekong Delta
A very popular excursion trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. During this small trip, you will visit a floating market and see floating villages, you can learn how rice paper is produced and see the life of ordinary Vietnamese farmers, you can go on a small boat trip through the muddy waters of the Mekong, sailing through the jungle thickets. The route, places to visit and duration may vary depending on the excursion program you choose. Going on a trip to the Mekong Delta, you will see the real Vietnam without embellishment and tourist glamor.
